Doctors: 1 per 769 people

Major causes of death: Cancers, diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases, accidents

The national health care system is basic and badly underfunded. A five-year reform program launched in 1995 focused more on management infrastructure and less on provision. Mexico has a good reputation for surgery and dentistry, but this is mostly in the private sector, which is itself fragmented. The rich also go to the US for treatment.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004